Introduction 



This is the 76th annual report of the International ice Patrol (IIP). 

 It contains information on Ice Patrol operations, environmental condi- 

 tions, and ice conditions for the 1990 IIP season. The U.S. Coast Guard 

 conducts the International Ice Patrol Service in the North Atlantic under 

 the provisions of U.S. Code, Title 46, Sections 738, 738a through 738d, 

 and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 

 1974, regulations 5-8. This service was initiated shortly after the sinking 

 of the RMS TITANIC on April 15, 1912 and has been provided annually 

 since that time. 



Commander, International Ice Patrol, working under Commander, 

 Coast Guard Atlantic Area, directs the IIP from offices located in Groton, 

 Connecticut. IIP analyzes ice and environmental data, prepares daily ice 

 bulletins and facsimile charts, and replies to requests for ice information. 

 IIP uses aerial Ice Reconnaissance Detachments and, when necessary, 

 surface patrol cutters to survey the southeastern, southern, and south- 

 western regions of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland for icebergs. IIP 

 makes twice-daily radio broadcasts to warn mariners of the limits of all 

 known ice. 



Vice Admiral H. B. Thorsen was Commander, Atlantic Area and 

 CDR J. J. Murray was Commander, International Ice Patrol, during the 

 entire 1990 ice year. 



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